Not to get side tracked from the subject, but if in the specs, the trucks are capable of towing a certain amount with the tow lip on the bumper, why do the offer "towing packages" with the additional towing hitch under the bumper? Why does my engine need additional cooling systems and bigger alternator? Does that increase my towing power? I dont get it, it just sounds like another dealer scam to get more flow outta me.

 

Not sure from the pictures but the twisty bar may be part of the spare tire rack. The bumper ball mount should work just fine for class 3 but you want to watch you trailer recked the bumper on my 05 pulling that way. I did a hitch install on my 05 it was easy if they have not changed anything you can go to NAPA and spend $89 and get the hitch should take about a hour to install. good luck this is close to the one I put on my 05

[IMG]local://upfiles/62807/0E667F67D26C4167B3F0DF184BFFDBE6.jpg[/IMG]

 

I had simular questions with that twist bar item, compared many trucks of different years and size and finally asked a dealership. it turns out that the twist bar is the anti roll technology dodge put on the trucks, my 06 had it, my friends 05 did not. Do not hook anything up to it.

 

Your best bet would be to buy a hitch receiver and bolt it up. Then you wouldn't have to risk tweaking your bumper towing.

 

Thanks for the input guys...really appreciate it. I will look into the bolt-on you suggested 6.7.

Otherwise, I will simply have a class IV installed. However, since we head out this Friday morning, I may have to 'baby' this trip with the factory bumper set-up.

 

eltupac, wrote:

The reason they offer towing packages is because many people want to tow much more weight than the standard bumper hitch is capable of. This starts with theclass IV hitch found on trucks with the towing package and also includes several other components. The engine needs additional cooling because, the more weight you tow, the harder the engine and transmission have to work. The number one cause of transmission failure while towing is caused by heat, therefore the transmission needs an oil cooler that sits in front of your radiator. The excess heat caused by this prompts the extra engine cooling provided. All large engine trucks have the transmission cooler, but not with the extra capacity of the towing package.

Larger capacity alternators and batteries are needed because, when towing larger loads the extra electrical power is needed, in most cases at least, to power the added clearance lights and other lights on trailers. It also is needed to keep the battery provided in these trailers charged while towing. The capability of providing power for electric trailer brakes is another reason for the larger electrical system.

The towing package also includes the 7-pin connector needed to accept the electrical plugs from these type trailers. This includes the extra plug to cab wiring and the proper relays in the truck's power box to accomodate electric trailer brakes.

And yes, the towing package does increase your towing capability greatly, it is very much worth the extra cost. Don't ever let a dealer put a classs IV hitch on your truck and tell you that is equalivent to a towing package. I would, personally never use the bumper hitch to tow even the weight that it is, supposedly capable of. I would spend the extra money for the class IV hitch if nothing else.

I don't think you would have a problem towing the Jeep as far as weight is concerned, but I'd be a little leary of using the bumper hitch with a towbar, just my opinion there.

 

Well, theHemi (flat)towed the Jeep effortlessly. I kept an average speed of 50-55mph per the manual break in for towing (first 500 miles). I averaged almost 15 mpg....super sweet.

Our next trip is to Hot Springs, Akthis July, so I have a class 4 hitch waiting at the Big Tex Trailer supplier in town to be installed this upcoming weekend.

The one thing I noticed about the truck is that when you are towing 4k lbs behind it....it seems like a 'normal' 275 hp V8....lol. [8D]

Thanks for everyone's input.

 

That's great mileage, wish I could get that pulling my camper but 9 to 10 mpg is not that bad when you consider the load. You will feel better after you get the class IV hitch installed. Great luck on the July trip and happy towing.

 

Thanks Palm. I learned the key is keeping the truck between 50-55mph. If I cruise around 65 mph, I am sure that avg. would drop a few mpg.

Btw, how much does your camper weigh?

 

As towed my camper is around 5000 pounds, sometimes a little more. I usually drive around 60 to 65 when towing, depending upon the terrain. I probably average around 9.5 mpg and, with a tailwind, over 10 at times.